Early Modern History/ Contents

The Malayan Durbars

Yeo Kim Wah

During the period from 1897 to 1939, 12 Durbars—meetings of the Malay rulers of the Federated Malay States (and also the Unfederated Malay States in the 1930 and 1934 All-Malaya Durbars) and British officials—were held to discuss matters of mutual concern. The early Durbars were largely ceremonial events, but the later meetings were much more serious affairs. On the whole, the Durbars increased goodwill and influenced colonial policy and practice.

  • Information in the full article includes
  • The origins of the Durbars
  • The early Durbars
  • The later Durbars
  • The promotion of British policy
  • The impact of the Durbars
The Prince of Wales theatre group

The Prince of Wales theatre group, which was known for its 'modern' productions, performed for the guests at the first Durbar on 15 July 1897, held at Kuala Lumpur.